Environmental and Chemical Factors Related to Learning Amanda Weeks Ashford University

1. Environmental and Chemical Factors Related to LearningAmanda WeeksAshford University EDU417: Cognitive Studies Capstone Professor J. Savarese-Levine February 2, 2014

2. What Affects Your Child’s Brain? It important to have a basic understanding of the chemical factors (i.e., neurotransmitters) that affect your child’s ability to learn. Environmental factors also have a major impact, including: • Sleep • Exercise • Nutrition • Technology

3. Understanding Neuroplasticity The brain is an amazing organ that can grow and change and is shaped by environment as well as genetics. .

4. An Intro to Neurotransmitters Neurons release chemicals that cross synapses and allow communication between neurons. They can have a big impact on learning and memory.

5. Some Common Neurotransmitters

6. Sleep, Exercise, Nutrition, and Technology: Effects on Learning and Memory

7. Why Your Child Needs a Good Night’s Sleep • At certain times during the sleep cycle, the brain is as active as when we are awake and problem-solving. • During sleep, consolidation occurs, which is “the process of stabilizing a memory trace over time, moving it from short-term to long-term memory” (Wolfe, 2010, p. 96). • While we sleep, we process information we learned during the day, which contributes strongly to memory formation.

8. The Importance of Nutrition to Learning • Complex carbs improve attention, working memory, and episodic secondary memory. • Obese adults have been shown to have 8% less brain tissue. • High levels of saturated fats impair memory and learning. • Omega-3 fatty acids are vital to hormone balance and immune system, which are essential to a healthy brain. • Neurotransmitters are composed of amino acids, which we gain from our diet.

9. How Exercise Impacts Learning • Physical activity increases oxygen flow to the bloodstream, which increases growth and plasticity of frontal lobes. • Exercise can induce neurogenesis (growth of new neurons). • Movement causes the release of proteins that trigger the release of BDNF (brain-derived neurotropic factor), which stimulates neural growth and learning.

10. Technology and Learning:Both Risks and Benefits of Video Games and TV are Highly Debatable • The effects of TV shows and video games depend on the content, age of the child, and time spent viewing/playing. • If they replace valuable activities such as exercise and studying, the impact is quite negative. • Shows with complex plots can enhance higher level thinking skills. • Well-designed educational video games can focus on critical skills and provide practice, feedback, and motivation. • Games that allow players to work together enhance social skills.

11. References • Fischer , K. W., Immordino-Yang, M. H., & , (2008). The Jossey-Bass reader on the brain and learning. (1st ed.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass. • Ganzer, C., & Zauderer, C. (2011). Promoting a brain- healthy lifestyle. Nursing Older People, 23(7), 24-27. Retrieved from Ashford Library. • Weis, T., Puschmann, S., Brechmann, A., & Thiel, C. M. (2012). Effects of L-dopa during Auditory Instrumental Learning in Humans. Plus ONE, 7(12), 111. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0052504. Retrieved from Ashford Library. • Wolfe, P. (2010). Brain matters: Translating research into classroom practice. (2nd ed.). Alexandria,VA: Association for Supervision & Curriculum Development.